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Who We Are

Board & Staff

Board Members

We are actively seeking professionals with experience in finance, accounting, fundraising, or business development, to volunteer to join our Board of Trustees. Our board works to represent the demographic of children we serve and of the area we live in. See our annual report for more information on the children we advocate for.

If you are interested in joining us, please review our Volunteer Board Member Job Description and complete our Board Application. Applications should be submitted to info@casaofmiddlesexcounty.org.

  • Sharon Hoffman-Manning, Chair

    Former VP of Operations, Santa Cruz Nutritionals

  • Ellen Clarkson, Vice Chair

    Chief Operating Officer, The Citizens Campaign

  • Dennis Doll, Treasurer

    President & CEO/Middlesex Water Company

  • Amy Jumbelic, Secretary

    Retired VP Strategy & Digitization, Johnson & Johnson

  • Susanne Peticolas, Member-at-Large

    Director, Gibbons PC

  • William Berlin

    Professor, Department of Political Science and Law, Montclair State University

  • Edina Brown

    Former Councilwoman, Old Bridge Township

  • John W. Downs, Sr.

    President/CEO, Venture and Venture

  • Alton Kinsey

    Retired Doctor, James Street Associates

  • Amy Krysienski

    Nonprofit & Government Banking Officer for Columbia Bank

  • Sandy G. Wilson

    Retired Journalist, Bloomberg News

Board Members Emeritus

  • Gerald Pomper

    Professor Emeritus, Political Science Department, Rutgers University

Board Liaisons

  • Betsy Capp

    Retired Educator/Graphic Artist

  • Judith Martin Waterman

    Freelance Editor


Staff Members

  • Executive Director
    Phone: 732-246-4449 ex. 1
    Stephanie@casaofmiddlesexcounty.org

    Stephanie Brown began working with CASA of Middlesex County in February 2015 after spending three years working as an Advocate Coordinator in two large urban CASA programs. Prior to that, she was a caseworker for Child Protective Services in Texas. Her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology is from Linfield College in Oregon and her Master’s Degree in Social Work, with a focus on Community and Administrative Leadership, is from the University of Texas. While at the University of Texas, Stephanie completed the Nonprofit Portfolio program through the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service. Stephanie is a Licensed Social Worker. In her current role as the Executive Director of CASA of Middlesex County, Stephanie spends most of her time supporting staff, fundraising, and collaborating with the board, as we continue developing and improving the quality and quantity of services provided to kids.

  • Senior Program Director
    Phone: 732-246-4449 ex. 3
    Colette@casaofmiddlesexcounty.org

    Colette’s experience with the Middlesex County CASA program started in May 2011 when she began volunteering as an Advocate for CASA. In October 2012, she became a CASA employee and she has been supervising CASA volunteers ever since. Colette remains dedicated to ensuring that every volunteer, and ultimately child, receives the support they need. She also manages and processes much of the data that is collected by the organization, she trains new volunteers, and she maintains relationships with the Courts and the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P). Colette has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and an extensive background working for an international IT provider.

  • Communications and Development Director
    Phone: 732-246-4449 ex.6
    lauren@casaofmiddlesexcounty.org

    Lauren began working as a CASA volunteer in 2019. She was born and raised in New York and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in International Studies from SUNY Cortland. Lauren spent three years teaching abroad in the Middle East and developed a passion for helping children. As the Communications and Development Director, Lauren is able to further help CASA team members and contribute to CASA’s continued success.

  • Program Coordinator
    732-246-4449 ex.2
    edith@casaofmiddlesexcounty.org

    Edith is from Berkeley Heights, NJ. She was born and raised in Peru and has been living in the United States for over 30 years. She has twin sons who are 16 years old. Her degree is in Interpreting Spoken Languages, Liberal Arts and Science. Prior work experience includes interpretation services, including assisting the D.A office by providing essential translation. Edith would often accompany officers and translate for victims, witnesses, and court officials. She has extensive experience working closely with FEMA, American Red Cross, state, and local agencies. In her free time Edith enjoys yoga, Zumba and attending her son’s football games.

  • Program Coordinator
    732-246-4449 ex.4
    brian@casaofmiddlesexcounty.org

    Brian became a CASA Advocate in the summer of 2022, and was soon inspired to begin a career in social services. He is thrilled to be able to continue with CASA of Middlesex County as a Program Coordinator, editing reports to the court, developing training materials and supervising a roster of dedicated and dynamic volunteers. Brian’s past professional experience has been a mix of creative and technical roles within the arts and media industries. He holds degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and UCLA.

  • Program Coordinator
    732-246-4449 ex.7
    khizran@casaofmiddlesexcounty.org

    Khizran received her Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University. Her passion along with her professional experience in serving, mentoring, and advocating for children and families to improve their quality of life has led to her career as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). Additionally, other prior professional experiences include developing training materials, coaching, and providing continuing education. In her role as a program coordinator, Khizran will review and edit court reports and work with our dedicated volunteers to support CASA’s mission as we continue to advocate for the child’s best interest.

  • Administrative Assistant
    732-246-4449 ex.5
    patricia@casaofmiddlesexcounty.org

    Patricia’s love and passion for children’s welfare has led her to her career as a grade school teacher abroad. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Education with a specialization in Special Education, in the Philippines. This passion also led her to become part of the team at CASA of Middlesex County. As the Administrative Assistant, because she fully believes in the cause of the organization, she is committed to sharing her abilities to accomplish CASA's mission. Patricia currently lives in Woodbridge with her husband and son and enjoys visiting different beautiful spots around the state of New Jersey.

  • Peer Coordinators

    After practicing the role of the CASA advocate, some of our volunteers accept leadership roles as Peer Coordinators. Peer Coordinators provide their expertise and guidance to 5-10 new CASA volunteers at any given time. This allows CASA to increase the number of children we can help without significantly increasing costs related to adding new staff members. These incredible people come from many different backgrounds and experiences, bringing their talents and abilities to the growing body of knowledge accessible by CASA advocates. We could not do this work without them!

    Susan Druckman, Linda Kinsey, Judith Martin Waterman, Melody Smith, Joanne Bergen, Judy Walters, Bernadette Varley, Diane Wanat, Toni Hendrix, Michael Reina, Maggie Manza, Bhopan Krishnan

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